Stockholm Syndrome

Stockholm, the most beautiful Scandinavian capital in my view, was first known to me with the Stockholm syndrome but not with its exceptional understanding of design and architecture. I however had no idea what gave rise to the concept of Stockholm syndrome, which can in summary be defined as the feeling of dependence and affection nurtured by the hostages towards their capturer. 

During my first winter trip to Stockholm, I settle in the centrally located Nobis Hotel which is also home a bistro frequented by locals after work hours. It is January and the weather is cold. The sun sets around 3-4 pm. The bistro of the hotel is very ideal to watch the people passing through the square in front of the hotel and also to observe the locals frequenting the bistro – with the added bonus of not getting cold! After a brief resting pose at the bistro, I start touring the hotel. I am already familiar with the famous spiral stairs of this wonderful hotel. I however feel shocked and excited when I find out that the event giving rise to the concept of Stockholm Syndrome took place in the bank which is now used as my hotel! I then find out that the triggering event for Stockholm syndrome was a bank robbery happening in 1973 where four bank employees were held hostages by a prison escapee. The connection between the hostages and the capturer grew so strong that the policemen started wondering whether one of the hostages were actually allies with the attacker during the whole robbery scheme. Nobis Hotel, located right in Normalmstrong Square, is worth a visit for its spiral stairs and this story even if you stay elsewhere. You should also not miss its cozy and lively pub.